Panasonic FZ47 vs Pentax K-30

Following is a extended analysis of the Panasonic FZ47 versus Pentax K-30, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a significant gap between the resolutions of the FZ47 (12MP) and K-30 (16MP) and the FZ47 (1/2.3") and K-30 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The FZ47 was revealed 15 months earlier than the K-30 making the cameras a generation away from one another. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FZ47 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax K-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving in to a complete comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the FZ47 matches up versus the K-30 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47 and Pentax K-30. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FZ47 Gallery and Pentax K-30 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry around your camera often, you'll have to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic FZ47 enjoys external measurements of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") along with a weight of 498 grams (1.10 lbs) and the Pentax K-30 has sizing of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") with a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FZ47 versus Pentax K-30 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you choose at the time. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the FZ47 compared to the K-30.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FZ47 and K-30 is 68 and 63 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes merely by reading technical specs. The picture here will help give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the FZ47 and K-30.

As you can tell, both of the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The FZ47 with its tinier sensor will make achieving bokeh more difficult and the Pentax K-30 will offer more detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also help you crop images a little more aggressively. The more aged FZ47 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.